Cebu- At least 60 people have died and almost 150 others were injured after a strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Cebu province in the central Philippines on Tuesday night.

The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake hit at 9:59 pm local time (13:59 GMT), near Bogo City, which has around 90,000 residents. The main tremor was followed by four aftershocks, each registering magnitude 5 or higher.

According to the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 60 people were confirmed dead, 147 injured, and 22 buildings damaged as of early Wednesday. Local authorities have declared a “state of calamity” in parts of Cebu.

The quake caused widespread power outages and building collapses, including the destruction of a century-old church. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued warnings to residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to avoid coastal areas due to minor sea disturbances and possible unusual waves.

Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. In July 2022, a 7.0 magnitude quake struck the country, killing at least five people and injuring 60.